Bangalore University to re-introduce Scholarships for BPL Students

The students who took admission in the academic year 2013-14 in University colleges have been of availing scholarships. But, BU has not implemented a scheme for this year.

Former Vice-Chancellor N Prabhu Dev had introduced the Scholarships to BPL students in his period.

Eligible students were given a monthly stipend of Rs 500/- for 10 months under this scheme. The funds for the scheme came from the University's treasury.

The former Director of the Department of Student Welfare, Bangalore University, N Nandini said, "Around 1,000 students from three batches had benefited from this scheme."

"It was the Vice-Chancellor's scholarship and even physically and visually challenged students had availed themselves of the scheme," she said.

The Department gives assurance to implement the scholarships for this year.

University Vice-Chancellor B. Thimme Gowda said, "The scheme had been introduced without a statute being framed for it. It was introduced almost like an ad-hoc scheme. No statute was framed. When such schemes are introduced, a statute should be framed and the government's approval should be sought."

Bangalore University is planning to re-introduce it in a different format.

"We are in a dilemma as to what to do. But deserving students will be given the benefits. For instance, students belonging to Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes (SC / ST) have been given accommodation in the SC / ST hostel. But for students belonging to the low income groups, who have not availed themselves of the hostel facility and other benefits whose fee is not reimbursed by the government, something will be done," Prof. Thimme Gowda said.